New movies: 'The Secret World of Arietty,' 'Rampart'

In "The Secret World of Arietty," real-life married couple Will Arnett and Amy Poehler lend their voices to this Japanese-made version of Mary Norton’s classic children’s book, “The Borrowers.”

By Al Alexander

Benton Evening News - Benton, IL

By Al Alexander

Posted Feb. 16, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Feb 16, 2012 at 3:12 PM

By Al Alexander

Posted Feb. 16, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Feb 16, 2012 at 3:12 PM

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARIETTY

Real-life married couple Will Arnett and Amy Poehler lend their voices to this Japanese-made version of Mary Norton’s classic children’s book, “The Borrowers,” about a group of teeny-tiny people living under the floorboards of a country home inhabited by much larger humans. The couple plays the parents of a 13-year-old “borrower” named Arrietty (Bridget Mendler), who threatens her family’s safety when she befriends a human boy (David Henrie) who’s come to visit the house.

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RAMPART

Woody Harrelson gives a searing performance as a dirty L.A. cop about to lose his job and his screwed-up family in this unflinching character study from Oren Moverman, the man who directed Harrelson to an Oscar nomination in “The Messenger.” Anne Heche, Cynthia Nixon, Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi and Robin Wright add able support.

CORIOLANUS

Shakespeare’s tale of power and revenge gets a big-screen treatment with Ralph Fiennes doing double duty as director and star. Joining him on set are Vanessa Redgrave and Gerard Butler.

GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE

Nic Cage re-ignites the fire under his smoking-hot chopper in this sequel to 2007’s “Ghost Rider.” But like a lot of Cage’s movies of late, this one is so bad it’s not being prescreened for critics.

THIS MEANS WAR

Cupid’s arrows are no match for the weapons Tom Hardy and Chris Pine pack in their roles as best friends and CIA operatives waging war with each other in a knock-down, drag-out battle to win the heart of Reese Witherspoon.

DECLARATION OF WAR

Director Valérie Donzelli tells the tale of a married couple dealing with immense heartbreak after learning their newborn child has a serious illness.